The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world’s oldest, flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C., and extended into northwestern India. Aryan tribes from the northwest infiltrated the Indian subcontinent about 1500 B.C.; their integration with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. The Maurya Empire of the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. (which reached its zenith under Ashoka) united much of South Asia. The Golden Age, ushered in by the Gupta dynasty (4th to 6th centuries A.D.), saw a flowering of Indian science, art, and culture. Islam spread across the subcontinent over a period of 700 years. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Turks and Afghans invaded India and established the Delhi Sultanate. In the early 16th Century, the Emperor Babur established the Mughal Dynasty, which ruled India for more than three centuries. European explorers began establishing footholds in India during the 16th Century. By the 19th Century, Great Britain had become the dominant political power on the subcontinent. The British Indian Army played a vital role in both world wars. Nonviolent resistance to British rule, led by Mohandas Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, eventually brought about independence in 1947. Communal violence led to the subcontinent’s bloody partition, which resulted in the creation of two separate states, India and Pakistan. The two countries have fought three wars since independence, the last one resulting in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh in 1971. In 1998, India’s nuclear weapons tests led to Pakistan conducting its own tests that same year. In November 2008, terrorists, allegedly originating from Pakistan, conducted a series of coordinated attacks in Mumbai, India’s financial capital. Despite pressing problems such as significant overpopulation, environmental degradation, extensive poverty, and widespread corruption, rapid economic development is fueling India’s rise on the world stage. In January 2011, India assumed a nonpermanent seat in the UN Security Council for the 2011-2012 term.

Immunizations: Contact your physician or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication, and advise you on the precautions to take to avoid getting sick.

Travel Insurance: Ingle International provides comprehensive travel insurance for adventure travelers who wish to cover themselves in preparation the unexpected.

Entry/Exit Requirements: To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease. It is caused by a parasite which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine available against malaria.

There have been recent outbreaks of chikungunya (a viral illness that is spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes) in areas of Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, including India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

It is advised that travelers get vaccinated against poliomyelitis (polio). Polio is a contagious disease, spread from person to person and/or through contaminated food and water. It can attack the nervous system and destroy the nerve cells that activate muscles.

Medical facilities are generally accessible in major centers, but access is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

Dengue fever is prevalent in some areas of India, including New Delhi (where there was an increase in reported cases in 2010). Residents and travelers are advised to take appropriate precautions in order to protect themselves from contracting dengue fever. Using mosquito repellent (DEET), avoiding swampy or low-lying areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent, using physical barriers (such as mosquito nets, long-sleeved shirts, and other physical protection) are recommended precautions. People experiencing flu-like symptoms (loss of energy, fever, aching joints and muscles) are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

Exercise a High Degree of Caution

There is an ongoing threat of terrorist attacks throughout India at all times.

Travelers in India are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, remain aware of their surroundings, monitor local news reports, follow the advice of local authorities, avoid crowded places, and take appropriate steps to increase their personal security. If unattended packages are spotted, immediately exit the area and report them to the authorities. Foreigners should carry adequate identification on them at all times

Terrorist attacks have occurred throughout India, often taking the form of remotely detonated bomb blasts. These most often occur in crowded markets of major centers in the early evening (at peak shopping times). On April 17, 2010, an attack took place outside of a cricket stadium in Bangalore. On February 13, 2010, a crowded bakery, popular among tourists in Pune, was the target of an attack that killed nine people and injured dozens, including several foreigners. Such attacks also have occurred in Jaipur in May 2008, Bangalore and Ahmedabad in late July 2008, and New Delhi in mid-September and late September 2008. In late October 2008, bombs exploded in separate incidents in both Manipur and Assam. In October 2009, a bomb was detonated in Margao, Goa, killing one person. In total, over 200 people were killed in these separate attacks.

The terrorist attacks that occurred in Mumbai in late November 2008 were different in nature. The targets included a railway station, a restaurant, and luxury hotels where foreign business people and tourists congregate. The weapons used were machine guns and grenades.

Bombings and attacks are perpetrated on a regular basis by extremist groups in Jammu and Kashmir, the northeastern states of Assam and Manipur, and in rural areas in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Trains and railway tracks are sometimes targeted in such attacks. These attacks killed several hundred civilians in 2009.

Avoid Non-Essential Travel

It is advised to avoid non-essential travel to Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Tripura, as well as the border areas of Meghalaya, West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh, due to insurgency. The Indian army has been conducting military exercises along the Indo-Bhutan border. This is affecting civilian access to the border region

Avoid All Travel

It is advised to avoid all travel to the following regions:

Jammu and Kashmir

With the exception of Ladakh via Manali (or traveling by air to Leh), it is advised to avoid travel to Jammu and Kashmir, due to ongoing conflicts and terrorist violence. The Indian army has been given special powers in many districts of Jammu and Kashmir, which means that the prevailing security threat remains at a high level. Street demonstrations by the general public occur frequently, some of which have turned violent and have resulted in fatalities. Violent demonstrations have been taking place in the capital of Srinagar and in surrounding towns since June 2010, often leading to imposition of curfews. A number of civilians have been killed during confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. The army has been deployed to the area to restore order. Car bombs and grenade attacks occur regularly. Violent clashes between militants and Indian security forces in the Kashmir valley and Jammu region of the state are frequent. A strong military presence remains on both sides of the Line of Control. Fields of landmines have been laid along the length of both sides of the border of India and Pakistan.

The Border Areas in the Following States

Manipur (border with Burma), Assam (border with Bangladesh and Bhutan), Nagaland (border with Burma), and Tripura (border with Bangladesh) are significantly affected by insurgency.
 
Interior Areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Maharashtra, and West Bengal

All of these states are significantly affected by insurgency. 
 
The Border Areas within the Immediate Vicinity of the Line of Control (the military control line between India and Pakistan)

The following states bordering on Pakistan should be avoided: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir. Travelers to this region should be extremely vigilant. Landmines and unexploded munitions along the border constitute a risk. A military presence remains on both sides of the Line of Control with Pakistan. Landmines have been laid along the length of the border by India and Pakistan. Exceptions include the Wagah border crossing and towns more distant from the border, such as Amritsar in Punjab and Bikaner and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.

Civil Unrest

Terrorist violence, such as bombings in public areas and on public transportation, can occur anywhere and at any time in India. Public trains and buses are always potential targets. Exercise caution when traveling throughout India, particularly when visiting tourist sites, government installations, or places of worship, or when attending public events such as cultural festivals. Major cities may be at greater risk of terrorist attacks by militant groups.

Demonstrations

Political rallies and demonstrations are frequent throughout the country and can turn violent, particularly right before an election or immediately following one. Both domestic and international political events can trigger large-scale demonstrations that may include communal violence. Transportation and other services can be disrupted on short notice. Curfews are occasionally imposed. Make sure to carry identification on your person at all times.

Crime

Violent crime against foreigners is uncommon but still occurs. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common. Passports and valuables have been stolen from luggage on trains and buses. Make sure passports and personal belongings are secure. Do not accept food or drink from strangers, as there have been cases of drugging.

There have been increased reports of assault, rape, and sexual aggression against foreign women. Women should avoid traveling alone, particularly after dark. Foreign women are often a target for unwanted attention.

Trekking

Those intending to trek in India are strongly advised to:

• never trek alone 
• always hire an experienced guide and ensure the trekking company is reputable 
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation services 
• be in top physical condition 
• ensure a family member or friend knows your itinerary 
• familiarize yourself with the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (which can be fatal) 
• register with your home country’s embassy   
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out